Olympics: 21 edicts on coverage

About a week ago I mentioned a South China Morning Post article, "Screws tighten on
mainland journalists" that outlined a 21-point memo that had come down from the
Central Propaganda Department in July, giving guidelines for China's media
coverage during the Olympics. These sorts of directives are typically
disseminated across the country, to editors at every newspaper and broadcaster by
the Central Propaganda Department. This list is a broad one, but during
breaking stories very specific directives can come down daily, even hourly when
necessary. For an example of what they look like, here's a selection from our
pre-Olympics report, Falling Short.

The SCMP's
coverage of the story was good, but The Sydney
Morning Heraldwas kind enough to provide a translation of the document. The subtext of what you read is that of a
country absolutely intent on the proper behavior of its media while the world
is watching, and an attention to detail and possible problems across an entire
range of hot button issues. (And some not-so-hot button issues, too. I've dropped
in a few explainers for some that might be obscure to foreigners.)

THE 21 EDICTS
FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT'S PROPAGANDA UNIT

1. The telecast
of sports events will be live [but] in case of emergencies, no print is allowed
to report on it.

2. From August 1,
most of the previously accessible overseas Web sites will be unblocked. No
coverage is allowed on this development. There's also no need to use stories
published overseas on this matter and [website] operators should not provide
any superlinks on their pages.

3. Be careful
with religious and ethnic subjects.

4. Don't make
fuss about foreign leaders at the opening ceremony, especially in relation to
seat arrangements or their private lives.

5. We have to put
special emphasis on ethnic equality. Any perceived racist term as "black
athlete" or "white athlete" is not allowed. During the official
telecast, we can refer to Taiwan as "Chinese Taipei." In ordinary
times, refer to Taiwanese athletes as "those from the precious island Taiwan....."
In case of any pro Taiwan-independence related incident inside the venue, you
shall follow restrictions listed in item 1.

6. For those
ethnic Chinese coaches and athletes who come back to Beijing to compete on
behalf of other countries, don't play up their "patriotism" since
that could backfire with their adopted countries.

7. As for the
Pro-Tibetan independence and East Turkistan movements, no coverage is allowed.
There's also no need to make fuss about our anti-terrorism efforts.

8. All food safety
issues, such as cancer-causing mineral water, is off-limits.

9. In regard to
the three protest parks, no interviews and coverage is allowed.

10. No fuss about
the rehearsals on August 25. No negative comments about the opening ceremony.

11. No mention of
the Lai Changxing case. [Lai is a Chinese businessman, charged with corruption
who fled to Canada.]

12. No mention of
those who illegally enter China.

13. On
international matters, follow the official line. For instance, follow the
official propaganda line on the North Korean nuclear issue; be objective when
it comes to the Middle East issue and play it down as much as possible; no fuss
about the Darfur question; No fuss about UN reform; be careful with Cuba. If
any emergency occurs, please report to the foreign ministry.

14. If anything
related to territorial dispute happens, make no fuss about it. Play down the
Myanmar issue; play down the Takeshima island dispute. [China and Japan both
claim them.]

E. put emphasis
ongovernment efforts to secure the
retirement life of athletes.

F. keep a cool
head on the Chinese performance. Be prepared for possible fluctuations in the
medal race.

G. refrain from
publishing opinion pieces at odds with the official propaganda line of the
Chinese delegation.

(Reporting from Hong Kong)

Bob Dietz, coordinator of CPJ’s Asia Program, has reported across the continent for news outlets such as CNN and Asiaweek. He has led numerous CPJ missions, including ones to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Follow him on Twitter @cpjasia and Facebook @ CPJ Asia Desk.